Re fret job.

[Es Paul]

I was looking at a Jimmy Page Custom shop. A 2005, it says its been used and re fretted. The job looks to be done fine. I just wanted to know how a guitar gets re fretted and does it change any of the dynamics of the sound of the guitar?

thanks
Es

[dwagar]

Did they keep the nibs on the end of the frets (where the binding comes up)? If so, it's likely a very good job.

A good refret can really bring a guitar to life. Try it and make sure you like the frets.

[LoKi]

I wonder why a 2005 would have needed new frets already?

What is Gibson using these days? Pewter?

[Liam]

I like to lose the "nibs" on refret and gain a bit of playing area.

Refretting involves pulling the old frets out and pressing or tapping new ones in, then levelling and recrowning the frets and finishing the ends (as required). It may or may not require binding removal, and/or levelling of the fingerboard.

I wonder why a 2005 would have needed new frets already?

Maybe someone wanted a different profile or height. At my heaviest workload of guitar playing it was taking me 3 years to need a partial refret on my main guitar, although I used to know a guy that could wear them out in less time than that. Great player but sadly now departed.

Fret changes definitely change the sound feel and dynamic of an instrument, and it's actually worth experimenting to see what heights and profiles suit you. Play lots of guitars and take lots of measurements, you might be amazed.

[Es Paul]

the job looks to be done very well. As far as the binding goes. It doesn't look like its been messed with. Its at www.Marksguitartloft.com Theres a Jimmy Page model. Check out the pics, they have great shots of the fretboard. Tell me what you guys think.

[dwagar]

Mark is a fantastic guy to deal with. Give him a call, he'll tell you all about the guitar.

btw, you spelled the link wrong
Mark's Guitar Loft ~ Your source for vintage guitars, amps and accessories

[Es Paul]

Sorry about the spelling. I emailed Mark about the guitar. I asked him if it changed the sound, tonally. He said he didn't play it before it was refretted, so he didn't know what the difference would be. I'm very tempted on this guitar, but, the whole refret job is completely throwing me off. If I get a Pagey it has to be to spec. I saw the one for sale on the classifieds section, I think he might be asking a little too much though.

[b-squared]

If Mark says it's good, it is. He's got a great reputation as a dealer; I read many posts from dudes that bought from him.

FWIW, I got my '76 LP Custom refretted after 20 years of playing it, and it made a world of difference--I should have done it sooner!

Cheers!

BB

[Es Paul]

...talk about being confused...dazed and confused actually!! I need this guitar!! I will keep you posted.

[Liam]

Is this serial #242? It looks to me like the frets are slightly larger than it would have had originally (jumbo rather than Gibson vintage jumbo, so most likely about 0.005" taller and 0.010" wider), and that it has been refretted over the top of the binding (i.e. no more nibs). Whilst that might not be original, it is how Pages #1 seems to be fretted in any close-up photos I've seen.

Funnily enough I've just had an LP Standard fitted with similar frets and it plays amazingly well. They really suit the guitar.

The fret job looks professional and recent, although the fret end finishing is not to a standard I would find acceptable. Pretty easy to fix, uncomfortable to play until they are correctly bevelled.

I'd say this is a "players" guitar. It's not perfectly to spec, but someone has worked to make is useable for them. If you play, and it suits you, you really ought to buy it. Here in the UK that price looks good, but YMMV.

[Liam]

Originally Posted by b-squared

FWIW, I got my '76 LP Custom refretted after 20 years of playing it, and it made a world of difference--I should have done it sooner!

Same deal with my Standard, hardly played it for 6 years, got it back from a badly needed refret last week, playing it all the time again.

I spent years looking at it and saying "well they're not that low", and then not using it!

[Es Paul]

Originally Posted by Liam

Is this serial #242? It looks to me like the frets are slightly larger than it would have had originally (jumbo rather than Gibson vintage jumbo, so most likely about 0.005" taller and 0.010" wider), and that it has been refretted over the top of the binding (i.e. no more nibs). Whilst that might not be original, it is how Pages #1 seems to be fretted in any close-up photos I've seen.

Funnily enough I've just had an LP Standard fitted with similar frets and it plays amazingly well. They really suit the guitar.

The fret job looks professional and recent, although the fret end finishing is not to a standard I would find acceptable. Pretty easy to fix, uncomfortable to play until they are correctly bevelled.

I'd say this is a "players" guitar. It's not perfectly to spec, but someone has worked to make is useable for them. If you play, and it suits you, you really ought to buy it. Here in the UK that price looks good, but YMMV.

thanks for the insight. I really didn't know what to look for on a job like that. It is #242. The reason it's still tempting is because of the great price. I just recently bought a pagebucker someone sold off of ebay. It's the neck PUP without the cover. It came came off of a custom shop Jimmy Page. Altough he said it's not working, I'm going to send it out and have it fixed. Got it for pretty cheap. I just might throw it in an R9 once i make up my mind and pull the trigger.

[Bluzboy66]

Originally Posted by Es Paul

I was looking at a Jimmy Page Custom shop. A 2005, it says its been used and re fretted. The job looks to be done fine. I just wanted to know how a guitar gets re fretted and does it change any of the dynamics of the sound of the guitar?

thanks
Es

I wouldn't hesitate to buy that JP LP if indeed you're in the market. Fortunately (for the buyer), the refret will render the guitar a bargain. AND, if I were you, I'd site the refret during price negotiation to get an even better deal. Work it! Looks like an awesome guitar.

Mike

[Liam]

Oh yes, forgot to say, would I buy it? If I was in the market for a JPRI, YES!!!